A MAN who can “turn his hand to anything and is willing to help everyone” has been recognised with an Unsung Hero award.

Keith Haley, from Dobwalls, has worked at the Coombe House Residential Home for just over 18 months, but during that time, he has made a real difference, said owner Ann Gray.

“Keith has lived and worked in the Liskeard area for almost 50 years but gave up full-time work in order to care for his wife Tracey. After Tracey passed away in 2019 Keith was rather lost, and desperate to return to work.

“Through friends who also work at Coombe House, Keith heard they were looking for someone to help with maintenance and started work there in December 2019.”

The three days a week position soon became four, as Keith proved himself indispensable, helping with maintenance, assisting the Coombe gardeners, and quickly establishing a rapport with the sixteen residents at the home, all of whom live with dementia.

Coombe House, recently re-affirmed as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, has been run by Ann since 1985.

“Keith has been amazing,” she said.

“He can turn his hand to anything and is always ready and willing to help anyone. He joined us shortly before the pandemic and has been fabulous in working so hard with the rest of the team to keep COVID out of the home. We understand he is just as willing to help his family, friends and neighbours!”

Keith was presented with the “Unsung Hero” title during the annual Cornish Health and Social Care Awards hosted by the Falmouth Packet.

He said: “I was in a difficult place when I came here but working at Coombe feels like being part of one large family. I love it.”